4th of October, 2005. I was guiding for an American couple who had just gotten married. We were on the Laya Lingshi trek, camped at Chebisa, a small beautiful village 5 hours from Lingshi. That day we were supposed to cross the Goku La (4350m), but when we woke up in the morning, we were covered in snow. It had been a wet trek since we crossed Chomolhari 3 days back, and to wake up again with snow falling heavy was not something all of us were looking forward to. Our boots were wet, sleeping bags were damp, and we were running out of dry clothes. It was so tempting that day to call for a break, and somehow make up for the lost day along our trek. We still had 7 days to hit the road. No one was in a hurry that morning, and as the lead guide, everyone was waiting for me to announce the halt.

I join my fellow countrymen in celebrating His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s 29th birth anniversary by sharing this very touching picture of His Majesty. This picture was taken at Simtokha, on the 2nd of November, 2008, during the Royal Procession from Punakha to Thimphu, during the Coronation. His Majesty spent time with this elderly nun, as she offered her prayers, and well wishes.

What a year 2008 has been for Bhutan. A unique Constitution, a brand new democracy, and a dynamic young King. As we celebrate this National Day which marks the last of the celebrations of this special and eventful year, I am overwhelmed at being a close witness to such historic events.

The Grand Chipdrel procession welcoming His Majesty to the National Stadium.

On the 6th of November 2008, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was crowned the Fifth King of Bhutan in a sacred and intimate ceremony in the Serthri Namgay Khangzang (the Supreme Golden Throne Room) in the Tashichhodzong.

Amidst the recitation of holy sutras by the monks, His Holiness the Je Khenpo raised the Raven Crown with the Tashi Khadar and handed it to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The Fourth King held it until the precise moment of 8.31 AM, chosen for its auspiciousness, and then placed it gently on the head of his son, the Fifth King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

At that moment His Majesty ascended the Supreme Golden Throne, becoming the world’s youngest reigning monarch, in the world’s newest democracy.